Kyle and her husband moved to Brookfield in 1986. She became active in local politics and started blogging in 2004. Her focus is primarily on local issues but often includes state and national topics, too. Kyle looks at things from the taxpayers' perspective in a creative, yet down to earth way, addressing them from a practical point of view.

I saw in the Sunday paper that the Governor was sweetening the pot on the 2nd state budget in an effort to "tempt enough Republicans in votes that would help it squeeze through the Assembly on Monday."

The thought came to me, that this whole can't we have all this spending, please approve my budget, and if you vote for my budget, I will give you this favor, reminded me of a whiny child and a parent.

Most children are very versed in negotiating deals. You know, the Mom, can't I stay up until 11pm? If you let me, I will clean my room tomorrow. Or, Dad, I really need that new pair of $400 ski boots. If you buy them for me, I will shovel all the snow. Or how about, Why can't I eat chocolate cake for breakfast? Kids will often just keep asking until they wear down the poor parent's resolve and get their way.

But good parents know they often have to remain firm in their beliefs and say no to their children. They must act responsibly and weigh the request against the need. They must factor in the requests impact to the family dynamics and budget. Saying no to some requests may make us feel badly, but to indulge the child would not be good in the long run. We know we cannot grant every request; its what makes us the grownup!

I can only hope our legislators in Madison will act like grownups and be firm in their pledges to not raise taxes--not even for a tempting piece of pork!

UPDATE: My Representative Leah Vukmir just called to let me know that she put on high heels today so she could really dig in her heels on the budget! I asked if she had received a lot of calls about the budget and she said YES. The vast majority were urging her to not approve any new taxes or fees. Our conversation was cut short because she was being called to the floor.

Stand firm, Leah, stand firm!

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